Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer

by Sir Richard Steele

Sir Richard Steele's book Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer is a satirical work that was published in 1710. The book is a humorous take on the popular belief in astrology during the 18th century.
The main character of the book is Isaac Bickerstaff, who is a physician and astrologer. He is portrayed as a wise and knowledgeable man who uses his skills to predict the future. However, his predictions are often comically inaccurate, which adds to the book's humor.
One of the most famous aspects of the book is Bickerstaff's prediction that a well-known almanac maker named John Partridge would die on a certain date. When that date arrived, Bickerstaff published a fake obituary for Partridge, claiming that he had indeed died. This prank caused a great deal of controversy and made Bickerstaff even more famous.
Overall, Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer is a witty and entertaining work that pokes fun at the superstitious beliefs of its time. It is still read and enjoyed today as a classic example of satire.